NO FAITH IN DOCTORS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 452, 4 March 1909, Page 3

NO FAITH IN DOCTORS.

JUDGE’S CENSURE

The Plaistow “Peculiar People” case came on for trial at the Old Bailey when George Horsnell, forty-seven, and his wife, Eliza, were charged with the manslaughter of their four year old daughter, Phyllis Bernice Horsnell.

The accused, said counsel, resided at 15, Fisher-street, Plaistow, and were the parents of eleven children. The man aud woman were members of the sect known as the “ Peculiar People,” who objected to calling in medical aid in case, of illness.

The child Phyllis was attacked with measles, aud when bronchitis set in elders were summoned to pray over her. Then a special prayer meeting was held, but the child died, no medical aid having been sought. Dr. Angus Kennedy, who made a post-mortem examination, said that death was due to pleural effusion following bronchial pneumonia. Had the child had early medical aid she would certainly have lived longer. Martha Worm, the wife of an elder of the sect, spoke of the assistance ‘She rendered the child. Eventually she called in her husband at the request ot the parents to pray over aud anoint the girl.

Mr Justice Grantham: Could you uot have prayed over her ? Yes, I did, aud God heard my prayer.

But the child died ?—My husband also prayed over the child. Mr Justice Grantham : That did not seem to do much good. Why do you not call in doctors : We act upon the words of St. James, Mr Justice Grantham; Our Saviour did not tell you not to call iu a doctor, and you appear to place more reliance on the words of the Apostle than upon those of our Savour, The witness said she had not read in the Scriptures that Christ told them to call in a doctor.

Mr Justice Grantham; Christ said, “ They that are whole need not a physician,” which seems to imply that those who are not whole do. You would rather see the child die apparently than call in medical aid?—lt was not for me to do so.

The male prisoner said he had an honest belief in God, and believed God was sufficient for him and his children. When the King was Prince of Wales and had typhoid fevey a special prayer vyas offeree) for his recovery, and he did recover. Mr Justice Grantham said it was shocking tffat persons like the prjsoqer shou|d glory in their obstinacy,

His lordship seutenced the prisoners each to three mouths’ hard labour.